Steel building



Oct. 24, 1944. w. F. DREW 6 STEEL BUILDING Filed July 17, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 kl v I Y K W I INVENTOR W. F. DREW STEEL BUILDING Oct. 24, 1944.

Filed July 17, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR Oct. 24, 1944. w, F, DREW 2,360,831

STEEL BUILDINQ Filed July 17, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN VEN TOR w. F. DREW STEEL BUILDING 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 17, 1940 Oct. 24, 1944.

w. F. DREW 2,360,831 I STEEL BUILDING Filed July 17, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet FT -ZZ Patented Oct. 24, 1944 I UNITED STATES PATENT v OFFICE I I l f 2,360,831

STEEL BUILDING William F. Drew, Los Angeles, Calif.

AppliationJuly 17, 1940, Serial No. 34 6,019 3 Claims.. (01.189-1) ,My inventionrelatesto improvements in the construction of steel buildings and has particular reference to the superstructure framework and exterior covering there'of. I

An object of the invention is to provide a unitary two'side wall and roof framework of great strength, flexibility and facility of erection in consideration'ofthe use of a small amount of light Weight) material including a plurality of steel bars some of which have both'of their terminals anchored to. the foundation for opposite side walls of a building and. all of which are disposed to form a continuous framing for-both of the sidewalls and the roof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a building structure embodying a unitary or continuous wall and roof framing in the form of steel ribbing consisting of a plurality of layers of diagonally positioned, spaced, unitary steel bar members, the bars of one layer being imposed upon the next in reverse directional disposition and erected in fixed relation to one another by welding the bars of successive layers each to the other,

Another object is to provide a building struc ture embodying unitary wall and roof framing in the form of steel ribbing relatively spaced to provide a self-sufficient supporting surface for a non-self-supporting sheathing adapted to cover and enclose the ribbing and form the hull of a building. v Y Another object of the invention is to provide a framework of steel ribbing for building structures wherein the steel members thereof are so proportioned, allotted and combined in fabrication on the job as to first, construct a framework of steel commercially and productively comparable in' cost'with building framing constructed of' othermaterials more generally used for this purpose; second, provide a disposition and assembly of parts eliminating the necessity for highly accurate shop layout and .shop jabrica'tion costs;'third, provide a combination of framework parts such that the major portion of construction requirements are effected without the exercise of extensive fitting-up operations or field equipment} 1 A further object of the invention is to provide a form for and'structural arrangement of the steel elements of a building framework embodying" highly elastic limit qualities, which; when subject to earth shocks will resiliently resist distorti'on jand disassociation of the parts; second, provide a covering or sheathing which, in association with the 'framin affords the security of a unitary structure correspondingly eliminating superstructural" hazards during earthquake occurrences. o p

Another object is to provide a sheet metal exterior sheathing and finish for the building framework wherein the members constituting the roof and wall finish are preformed to requisite shape and provided with edging flanges or hems adapted to hold assembled and interlock the component parts and also form a part of means whereby the assembled portions are collectively securedto the building framework to provide a united, weatherproof exterior finish.

Another object is to provide a sheet metal exterior finish structure for buildings wherein the elemental parts, preformed relative to the edging requirements of this invention and adapted to form the exterior roof and wall sheathing and finish, are assembled, interlocked and secured to the building framework without resorting to soldering or welding operations or the use of means penetrating any of the sheet metal exterior. re-

lied upon to weatherproof the building interior. Another object is to provide a sheet metal exterior finish structure for buildings wherein unit sections of theroof and wall structure, preformed to embody the edging of this invention, are assembled as a sheathing fsuspended from the roof crown or comb and sustained thereby as a hanging roof and wall finish providing for free'expansion'alor contractive vertical movement of the whole to prevent unequal or localized buckling or distortion of the sheathing and furtherprovide a simple mode of assembly and fitting-up of the parts in which the rule is-. shear to length, adjust and arm: the comb portion and"hang up'the parts.

Another object is to provide a sheet metal exterior finish structure "for buildings wherein the unit portionsof the wall siding consist of sheets of material providing the desired width and preformed to embody the edging of this invention are applied to the building framing as belt courses disposed; above, between and below window openings for the purpose of simplifying erection operations Further, in building walls of usual height, commercial sizes of sheathing are, by this method of use, rendered suitable to requirements by'limited'piecing and shearing-towidth operations.

Anotherobject is to construct a metal framing and metal sheathing structure so combined as to provide for free expansion or contraction of the parts both vertically and horizontally of the structure and thereby prevent buckling or distortional strains more particularly in the exterior metal sheathing. The structure hereof also provides free intercompensating vertical movement of the metal sheathing relative to the framework when expansion or contraction movement of the parts occur and eliminates objectional noises otherwise resulting from expansion or contraction movement of the metal shell relative to the metal framework.

Another object is to provide a building hull wherein the major portion of the superstructure framing and exterior sheating is constructed of bar and sheet steel members having an insulating material associated therewith for excluding transference of normal heat or cold qualities of atmospheric conditions either from or to the interior of the structure.

Another object is toprovide a building structure exteriorly fireproof to ignition by sparks, firebrands or similar causes and which, due to the disposition of insulating material is highly resistant to ignition both externally and internally, by the proximity of exterior heat. Further, upon inclusion of fireproof closures for light and other openings the building structure of this invention provides efficient attainment of a fireproof building structure.

Another object is to provide for a building hull which readily lends itself to being sheathed by material sprayed thereon, either metal or plastic.

Another object is to provide a simple, inexpensive, readly applicable and novel trimming or finish member for the exposed or raw edges of the sheathing and other exterior parts.

With the above and other objects in view the invention consists in the novel construction and combination of parts hereinafter described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and set forth in the claims hereto appended, it being understood that various changes in form, proportion, size and minor details of construction within the scope of the claims may be resorted to A without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one design of building arrangement embodying my invention.

Fgure 2 is a perspective view of the building design shown in Figure 1 illustrating the structure from'a different point of view.

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of assembled parts embodied in a unit portion of the superstructure framing of my invention, multiples of which are united to form the desired superstructure arrangement.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the basemember of the framing adapted to receive and affix the members of the superstructure to the building foundation.

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating; first, the joining of angularly disposed wall framing at intersections; second, the provision of a self contained trussed framework over exterior wall openings; third, the methodof joining the members of angularly disposed roof portions of the structure to each other; fourth, the provision of a self contained truss formation in the roof of one unit as self supporting and respectively supporting an adjoining roof to provide a spanned open ng between the unit structures; and fifth. the joining of the arch portions of respectively parallel unit structures and the provision of gutter supporting means therebetween.

Figure 6 is a part-sectional view showing the intersection of arch portions of parallel roof units respectively disposed to right angularly adjoin a third unit roof structure shown in elevation.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary part sectional detail view of one method of uniting and supporting adjoining parallel arch structures at the spring of the respective arches.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational perspective view, with portions broken away for display of parts showing a portion of a completed wall and roof structure of a building unit constructed in accordance with my invention.

Figure 9 is a sectional detail view of means for adjustment; compensating for inaccuracies in and the aligned joining of the sheet metal roof sheathing at the crown of the roof arch.

Figure 10 is an enlarged detail perspective view, with parts broken away and parts omitted for display, of the crown portion of the roof arch showing the method of'uniting and securing the sheet metal sheathing members each to the other and to the arch framing and the crown capping sealing the structure to the weather.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a preformed sheet metal roofin unit, multiples of whichare united to form the roof sheathing.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the relation of interior wall furring and ceiling joist members to the framing and means for securing them thereto.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the relation of the exterior sheathing members to the framework and the means for securing the metal components thereof together at the belt line framing.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the relation of the framing and the exterior sheathing members to the framing base member.

Figure 15 is a perspective View of means employed to connect the exterior metal sheathing to the interior frame work.

Figure 16 is another perspective view of the means shown in Figure 15..

Figure 17 is a fragmentary elevational view, with parts broken away for showing the interrelation of parts of the framework and sheathing as secured together by the attachment member shown in Figures 15 and 16.

Figure 18 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of one side of a window or door casing particularly showing the means employed to insure non-leakage of the joint formed at the intersection of the casing member and the exterior sheet metal sheathing.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary elevational view taken at the bottom of a window casing showing the disposition of parts as effecting the discharge of leakage onto the outer surface of the wall structure.

Figure 20 is a fragmentary elevational view taken at the bottom of a door casing showing the disposition of parts as effecting the discharge of leakage onto the outer surface of the foundation structure.

Figure 21 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of a corner of exterior walls of the structure with particular reference to the means employed to insure non-leakage of the joint formed at the intersection of the exterior sheet metal sheathing.

Figure 22 is a fragmentary elevational part sectional view taken at the bottom of the wall corner structure showing the disposition of the aacassi parts as eifecting the discharge of leakage onto provided to join the ends of finish mo1ding,-0pen seam tubing or thelike employed tov encase,

cover and finish the edges and-joints of parts of the building structure. I

Figure 24 is an elevational-view of the sleeve employed to join the ends of the bars or rods providing the ribbing of the building structure. Figure 25 is a fragmentary sectional view of the end or gable wall structure on a plane slightly in front of the center line of the crown of the roof arch andshowing the gable overhang design of roof illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 26 is a horizontal sectional View show-- ing a corner intersection of a gable wall and sidewall of the building design illustrated in Figures land 2. i

- Figure 27 is .a vertical cross sectional broken view showing parts adapted to form acanopjyg' porch, cornice, lean-to or addition as connected to the main building'structure.

Figure 28 is a plan view showing the arrange ment of the metal base members of the building design shown in Figures 1 and2 and their dis? position as forming closedrectangles to prevent spreading of the wall portionof the structure. Figure 29 is a side elevation of an end portion of ribbing as used in the typeof building 'shown' in Figure 30. Figure 30 is a cross sectional viewof a modified building design wherein the ribbing members of Figure 29 form vertical wall and pitch roof framing. a

Figure 31 is a fragmentary sectional view of a modified form of'the invention whereinthe ribbing is'sheathed by use of'a coating-of cement, gunite or other material sprayed on or otherwise applied thereto} I Referring now more specifically to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show one form of steel building A of the small home type, which may be erected under'methods and with-structural.

arrangements embodying the present invention.

As shown in Figure 3; steel framing F forop f posed side walls and a roof is erected on a foundation l on which is bolted inverted channel base members 2 havingwelded or otherwise fixed thereto upright end frames 3 of angle iron or the like and of an inverted U shape or arch form,'there being but one of such frames shown in Figure 3. Belt members 4 are welded or otherwise fixed together and to the endframes at ceilinglevel whereby to tie the end frames to gether and form therewith the skeleton frame'of the building superstructure.

To complete the steel framing so that..-there will be provided .a. unitary arch-like framing of an inverted Ushape corresponding to the end 1 surface for non selflsupporting sheathing which I i may be applied to 'cover andenclos'e the framing frames 3 and which will be-self supporting and self-sustainingQI employ a novel steel ribbing construction consisting ofsteel bars 5 and 6 of circular or non-angular cross section diagonally and helically disposed in opposite directions between the end frames and'basemembers whereby to intersect one another and forma unitary net-j work. Bars 5 are erected successively to follow the general curvature or outline of the end frames and said bars lie in parallel spaced relation and are inclined to the left looking at Fig-: ure 3. Bars Bare "then successively erected in the same spaced parallel-relation to one another as bars 5 but are oppositely inclined'and lie' upon' of the bars'5and: 6 extendfrom the basememberfor one side wall to the base member for the opposite "side. wall in helically arched form. Those of the'short'er diagonally and helically extended bars 51 and 6 which intersect the end frames are-welded thereto as at 1. Those of the bars 5 and 6'which intersect the inclined steel frames 8 and 9 embracing thesteel window and door casings Ill and II respectively, are welded or otherwise fixed' thereto. These casings are disposed in vertical position whereas the frames 8 and 9 have the same inclination inwardly as the-adjacent-side' wall framing portions of the respective bars 5'a'nd'6. All of the bars '5 and 6- which are anchored-tothe base members 2 are inserted in spaced apertures l2 in and welded Where the bars 5 and-6 intersect the belt m'em-' bers 4 they are-welded or otherwise fixedthereto as at It. and where the bars intersect one another they may be welded-togetheras at 15.

However, it is obvious that requisite intercom nection of bars 5 and 6 and adequate strength in 'the'fframing' formed thereby, does not require that said bars be welded together at each intersection although if desired could-be resorted to without objectionable cost.

Many of the bars 5 and6- canibe likened inshape to a croquet wicket which has been helically' distorted while maintaining its inverted U shape. Some of theother bars- 5 and'G are like segments of such helically arched bars and others are substantially straight and diagonally disposed. The-finest economical and 'efiicient ratio of strength to weight of material used'results when the-bars are disposed "at an angle of from 50 to "70 degrees. Therefore it is manifest that the steel framing comprising the base members 2 and framing 3 and bars5 and-6, and; in some instances the belt or girder members 4, arranged as here shown described'as a unitary structure, serves as self-supporting and self-sustaining framing for opposite side walls and thereof ofa building, and affords a self-sufiicient supporting so' as to form the hull of'the building. vMoreover, it should beqobserved thatsuch a steelframing is primarily composed of steel ,units requiring noin'tric'ate' preforrning or special fabrica tion. This is especially true of the helically disposed ribbing bars 5 and 6 constituting the major portion of the 'structure, which are normally straightand bent' to desired form during erection of the framing. As seen'in Figure 24 steel.

and intersect'bars 5 at regularly spacedintervals top crown .of the framing and welded or other-' wise-fixedto. .the bow l1 and where intersecting one another and the belt members 4 and the bars 5 and .6 as particularly shown in the top-center portion of Figure 3. These trusses may thus be formed .at desired intervalsin the framing and it is seen that a. horizontal steel member [8 fixed toand between the belt members 4 on opposite side wall portions .of the framing will also act as a chord. .for the truss formation. The member I58, bars I16 and bow H where meeting one another at common points on the belt members 4 may be welded or otherwise fixed together and to saidbelt members as at I9. I I

- Where it is desired to add to the main framing or framing similar to that shown in Figure '3, fjorexample, to form building shown in Figures 1 and '2, or any similar multiple room or multiple unit structure,- additional or wing framing may be readily and easily erected and interconnected with'the main framing or multiples thereof as shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

of the side wall 20 equaling the wing width by terminatin the ribbing bars 2i and 22 corresponding to bars 5 and Eat the belt member 23 as seen .in Figure 5.

,As shown in Figure 5 the bars 2| and 22 of the arch of the unit L are terminated at and welded to the belt member 23 which forms a lintel for the openings of wing J and K as shown only for wing J in this figure. Such construction of the roof portion of the unit L provides a girder structure M over said openings without necessitating the use ofa complemental roof structure.

*Further joining of the angularly disposed units is provided by simply joining the belt members 24 of units J and K to the belt 23 of the unit L by welding or otherwise as at 25 in Figure 5.

A simple and efiicient means of uniting the structural arch portion of the bars 2 l and 22 of unit L, also the corresponding bars of units J and K, includes a steel bar 26 of suitable size and cross section such as a round bar or tubing, readily bent to the contour of the intersecting arches, and welded exteriorly to the arch bars 22 forming the aforesaid girder portion M. To the member 26 the ends of those of the framing bars 21. of the unit J which formthe abutting arch portion of the uni-t, are welded as at 28.

It is noteworthy that no painstaking layout or fitting of this joint is required as the bars are welded as they lie without regard to the amount of overlap or inward end projection, as the overlapped or projecting parts are bent as at 29 toembrace the bars 2|. and 22 of the unit L and further secure. the arch portions together as of the structure for example, the opening N in.

wall 0 of unit J as shown in Figure 5, a header member :32 is disposed at the upper end of the opening and below the belt, member 24, so that, togetherwith said belt member and those of the ribbing bars 2!v which extend between and are welded to the header and belt member; there will be .formed an effective truss for. reinforcing the framing in compensation for the ribbing omitted in forming such anopening.

The contiguous portion of parallel units J and K have the ribbing bars thereof joined to a common dual-belt member 33 as by being welded or otherwise fixed to and between the parallel sections of the belt unit as shown in the extreme upper left portion of Figure 5 and in Figures 6 and 7. In other words the ribbing bars of the units J and K where the arches of said units meet, are cut off at the belt level and welded or otherwise fixed to the belting 33 formed by the bolt connected parallel belt mem: bers of the respective units and it is unnecessary to continue such bars to thefoundation, or below the belt members. Instead, metal columns such as the one 34 in Figures ,5, 6 and 7 are extended from the foundation and welded or otherwis fixed to said foundation and the belt member 33.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6 a plurality of short ribbing bars 35 are welded to'and horizontally between adjacent ribbing bars of the units J and K above the belt unit 33 whereby to provide a support for a gutter 36.

It is important to note that the side wall portion of the framing units embodying this invention, such as units F, J, K and L are inclined so that they lean or slant inwardly to the spring of the roof arching portion of the framing, whereby the qualities of a shored structure are provided. Furthermore, this inclination provides for appreciable dead air spaces-in the side walls, and also facilitates the erection and support of the sheathing and coverings in that the latter elements will lie closer upon and be partially supported by the framing. i

As shown in Figure 3 vertical furring members 31 are extended from the flooring 38 to the belt members 4 and ceiling joists 39 whereby to provide for the erection of interior walls and the dead air spacesv as at S in the side walls between the furring members and the ribbing bars 5 and 6. Figure 8 shows how coverings, as will be hereinafter described, will lie .close upon and be supported by the framing due to the aforesaid inclination of the side wall portions and also shows how the insulation or dead air space S is formed in aside wall. As shown in Figure 12, when wooden members such as furring 31 and ceiling joists 39 are used they may be anchored to the belt member 4 by means of flexible wire tiesllll having the preformed eyes 40'. Spikes driven through these eyes into the joists secure the ties thereto. The ties are then looped around the belt member, drawn taught and wound upon the spikes 40" driven in the furring. I

Figures 8 to 14 inclusive show the roof and side wall exterior coveringsand sheathingand the manner in which they are applied so as to hang on the framing F.

As here shown a continuous or one piece. layer or sheet 4| of flexible roofing material is laid on the framing so .as to cover the-roof and side wall portions, following which a similar sheet or layer 42 of thermal insulation material such as asbestos, is laid over-the roofing material. Due

therewith.

composed of metal sheets applied to the inclination of the "side wall portionsof the framing these sheets will be effectively supported and. hangon the frame in close contact 'Beginningiwith the gated sheet steel sheathing sections 43 of suitable gauge are laid' side by side to-exten'd over and covereach half of the roof with'their upper ends joined in opposed relation at the ridge point or top center of the roof. If alarge roof, the necessary length of sections maybeobtained by the'usual methods of joining sheet'metal. As shownjin' Figure 11 each sheathing section has upstanding flanges 44 at its longitudinal edges anda transverse upstanding flange-45 and a turned under hook portion 46 at respective ends. The end flange 45 may be preformed or left fiatv so that'it may be bent into place onthe-job and otherwise the sheathing sectionsare preferably'preformed. As shown in Figures 8 and these sections are laid on the roof so as to conform to the curvature thereof and be laterally and longitudinally spaced apart at their longitudinal'and end edges respectively, with the side flanges '44 in spaced parallel relation'to one another and the end flanges 45 similarly disposed. The end flanges 45 are secured together with bolts 41 '(Figure 9) having spacing washers 48 thereon and the'ridge joint thus formed may be anchored to the framing-Fby means of the S shaped hooks 'or clips 49 as shown in Figure 10 whereby the sheathing and also the inner coverings Hand 42 through which hooks extend, are anchored to the frame and held against displacement relative to one another and the roof portion of the framing. The washers 48 may be free for necessary expansion and contraction movements. However, the longitudinal edges of the members 50' are hemmedas at 52so as to closely fit, against the sheathing surfaces to provide substantial joints, and on the whole these joints remain effectively weather-proof and have the necessary strength while being .flexible.

A hollow sheet metal comb member 53 covers the ridge jointsformed by connecting the end flanges 45 togetherand also encompass the upper ends of theflanges 45 and covering members 50 as shown inFig'ure 10 so as to weatherproof such parts; Notches 54 in thesides of the comb member accommodate the ribs formed by the flanges 45 and cover members 50 and permit the longitudinal edges of the comb to have close contact with the upper surfaces of the sheathing sections.

In order to secure thecomb 53 in place, tie clips 55 fastened to and between'flanges 45 by the bolts are extended through slits in the crown of the comb and bent over thereon as shown in Figure 10. Closure plates 56 are soldered or otherwise secured'on the comb to seal the slits and prevent leakage. v

To accomplish the insertion of windows without the exercise ofextensive fitting-up labor the sheathing for the side walls of the-building is of, aplurality of elorrin the form of belts which, for example, consists of the belt 51 the hook 64 onthe lower'edg'e'. of the". upper belt dow openings.

joined to the lower ends '01 the roof sheathing sections at the eave line and extending downward to'the top of window openings, a main intermediate sheathing belt 58 and a lowermost sheathing belt 59 extending from the base members 2 on the foundation l, to the lower edge of the main intermediate belt at the Sill level of win- These belts run from .oneend frame 3 to the otherithe full lengthof the side walls but could be pieced or formed of aplurality of suitably joined sections if desired. The upper sheathing belt 51 has an outwardly bent flange forming a hook 60 along its upper edges for engaging the. hook ends 46'of the roof sheathingso as' to be suspended at the eave line.

In' order to best adapt the intermediate belt 58 to window openings in the walls I employ a distance belt 5| of required width to join the top and intermediate belts and provide for the required window height between the belts 5'! and 59. Along its longitudinal edges this distance belt is formed with hook-flanges 62 and 63 for establishing a hooked engagement with similar hook flanges64 and 65 on the lower edge of-belt 5! and the upper edge of belt 58 respectively. The edge of the lower siding belt 59 has a similar hook-flange 66 which hooks over the hook inbefore set forth.

As shown in Figure 8 the window casing I0 is disposed between the upper and lower siding belts 5! and 59 and the intermediate belts 58 and 61 are cut to abut the sides of the casing as shownin Figures 8, 18 and 19.: Obviously, when a door'is' to be provided the lower belt 59 is also cut to abutthe sides of the door casing l I as shown in Figure 20.

At the top of the window casing a canopy member 69 is extended outwardly from the point where it lies between the top of thecasing. l0 and the lower edge of the upper belt 51, and has a flange. 10 which extends upwardly between the flange 64 and'the face of the distancebelt 6| whereby to anchor the canopy.

As shown in Figures .8' and 27, I may provide an eave trough H which has a hook-flange H fitting 'over the hooks46 on the roof sheathing sections in turn overlapped'by the book 60 of the belt member 51 and is thus suspended and interlocked as an effective gutter. :v

.Where a canopy 12 as shown in Figure 27, is desired as for a doorway or p0I'0h,Sl1Ch canopy is provided with a hook-flange 13 to hang over thehooks '46 at the-eave line. eave trough and canopyare employed they are locked'in the order named to the eave-hooks 46 after which the hook-flange 60 isffitted over them into the hooks 45. The canopy 12 may have a lower. hook-flange "which will hoo'k'around 51. A gutter 12'similar to theone?" may'be mountedon the :outer e'dge' of the'canopy l2 if desired. i 7

When both the As shown in Figures 8, -18 andv 19 wherethe sections of the belt 58 abut the sides of the window casing I an angular flashing member (Figure 18) is positioned .to have substantially the same vertical extent as the window frame and to lead below it so as to discharge over the outer surface of the lower belt 59 as shown in Figure 19. This flashing strip has one portion 76 laid flat against the sides of the casing I0 and the other portion I1. extended behind the belts 58 and SI, the latter.v portion has a rolled flange or open hem I8 along its longitudinal edge to form a vertical gutter to catch any water leaking in between the vertical edges of the adjacent sections of the belt 58 and the outer portion T1 of the strips The hook-flanges of the lower and intermediate sections are cut away as at 19 to accommodate the extension of the lower end of the portion I! of the flashing as shown in Figure 19 whereby to discharge the drainage onto the outer surface of the lower belt. Itis noted that the portion I6 of the flashing strip is riveted as at 89 to the window casing as shown in Figures 18 and 19, to hold the strip in place.

The door frame I I and abutting sheathing belts, as shown in Figure 20 illustrating the bottom of the door casing, are equipped with the flashing means BI constructed and arranged in the same manner as the strip 75 for the window. This strip projects below the belt 59 and discharges over the outer face 82 of the foundation.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22 where .angu larly related wings of. the'building form a cornor, as typified by the walls 0 and 20 in Figure 5, a flashing means 83 having portions 84 and 85 each formed with an open hem 8.6 is extended the height of the walls behindv the siding belts of which the one 59v is shown... This strip forms two drain channels to run off water which may have leaked in at the corner joint, the discharge being effected in the same manner as with the door arrangement, Figure 20, and as seen in Figure 22. I

As shown in Figures 15, 16 and 1'? a bendable tie clip 87 is provided for tying thesheathing and associated coverings and elements to the framing without recourse to means perforating the exterior weather-proofing sheathing. 'One end of this clip is preformed with a-hoo-k portion 88 adapted to hookv around any adjacent framing bar as the one 89 while the other end is adapted to be inserted between the hook flanges andthe sheathing and siding members to hold the latter to the framing. .Itshould be noted that these clips are inserted from the inside of the structure through slits 99in the coverings M and 42. These clips are used wherever it is deemed necessary to tie in the sheathingv to the framing and some of its uses are indicated in Figures 8, 13 and 19 at sheathing joints.

In Figures and 26 is shown an end wall for the building, wherein a net work of ribbing bars 9| similar to the framing F as to pattern, are anchored to the base members 2 for the end walls in the same manner as bars 5 and 6 and similarly connected to end frames 3 and belt members 4. Paper-backed metal lathing 92 is secured to the bars 9| by means of ties 93 whereby a plastic finish 94 may be given the wall. This end wall is completed in one architectural style as shown in Figures 1 and 2 by forming a gable 95 with a series of sheathing sections 96 formed to desired outline contour and bolted to adjacent roof sheathin sections and having the joints covered by the members 50- in the same manner as shown in Figures 8 and 10. i

As shown in Figure 26 the; siding belts 57, 58, 59 and GI are extended as at 91 beyond the end frames 3 to embrace. the plastic finish, and the metal lathing is flanged as at 98 to abut the extensions 91. The outer edges of extensions 9'! and flanges 98 and the outer edges-'onthe. gable are finished with trim members embracing and coveringthem. Ashere shown these trim members comprise open-seam tubing 99 into the open seams of which the aforesaid edges are extended. This tubing is frictionally or otherwise held on said edges. Allother raw edges of the structure such as on the Window and door casings I0 and II, canopies, etc. are'finished with this trim as shown in Figures 8, 18, 19 and 20.

As shown in Figure 23 the trim tubing 99 may be pieced end to end by means of a grooved plug I00 fitted into contiguous ends of tubing sections with the groove of the plug registering with the open seams.

Figure 28 shows a plan of thevbase members for the building shown in Figures 1 and 2 wherein the base members 2 are fixed as by welding or otherwise to one another and cross members 2 whereby to form a series of closed rectangular base structures to prevent spreading of the foot of the wall structure incident to earth shocks.

As shown in Figures 29 and 30 my invention is embodied in a conventional building B having the framing and ribbing 'I III and I 02 respectively, disposed to form vertical walls and a pitch roof.

In Figure 31 I have shown a modified form of exterior finish to cover ribbing made of steel bars arranged as shown in Figures 3 and 5 or in Figure 29. This finish comprises a foraminated or meshed reinforcement I03 secured to the ribbing bars by means of tie members I04, and a plastic or other finish substance I05 which may be sprayed on by heat, air under pressure or otherwise applied.

I claim:

1. In asteel building, a foundation, arched upright end frames anchored onthe'foundation, a belt joining said'end frames to define a ceiling level, a plurality of continuous laterally spaced apart and parallel steel bars ofnon-angular cross section fixed to said foundation, end frames and belt members and extending helically thereof to form a part of a steel framing for opposite side walls and a roof of the building, other continuous steel bars of non-angular cross section extending in spaced parallel relation to, one another and helically in the opposite direction to and crossing and contacting the first named bars and said foundation, end frames and belt members throughout the area of said'side walls and roof whereby to complete theframing for the side Walls and roof. 1 t

2. In a steel building, a skeleton frame, and superimposed layers of diagonally disposed and helically arched steel bars of non-angular cross section forming a wall and roof framing, another wall and roof framing formed of identical bars, means for forming a joint of thereof portions of said framings includin -belt members fixed to certain of said bars and defining a ceiling level and clamping together ends of bars of said roof framings and a column support for saidjoint.

3. In -a steel building, a foundation, a frame fixed to the foundation, a plurality of steel bars of non-angular cross section erected on said foundation and said'framein layers so as to formeach layer to said foundation and said frame, a

' steel bar of non-angular cross section bent to form a bow interiorly of the roof portion of said superstructure framing and aflixed to bars of one of said layers; and other bars fixed to said bow to form chords thereof.

- WILLIAM F. DREW. 

